Opinion: Bengals OC Role Among the Premier in Football…
In the dynamic landscape of football coaching, each coach harbors distinct aspirations and future plans. Considering the common ambition among assistant coaches to ascend to the position of an NFL head coach, the current form of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator (OC) role stands out as one of the most desirable in the league.
Dan Pitcher, recently elevated to the Bengals’ offensive coordinator position, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I get to stay here, and this has been ideal for me all along.” While some might identify the lack of play-calling duties as a potential drawback, particularly with head coach Zac Taylor retaining that responsibility, it’s not necessarily a hindrance.
During the mid-October of the 2022 season, there were calls from fans for a change in play-calling duties. However, Taylor defended the collaborative nature of play-calling, emphasizing the partnership with then-offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, who remained in that role until he departed for the Tennessee Titans’ head coaching position.
The argument can be made that not being the primary play-caller allows a coordinator to allocate more time to essential aspects such as player management – a skill crucial for a head coach. Perhaps, Callahan’s tenure with the Bengals prepared him uniquely for a head coaching role, a prospect that only time will confirm in Tennessee.
Here are three reasons why the Bengals boast one of the most coveted offensive coordinator positions in the league:
1. Tailoring an offense around talents like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase provides a foundation for success. Pitcher emphasized the significance of having an elite quarterback like Burrow, stating, “When you have an elite QB, you hang on as long as you can.”
2. The OC role in Cincinnati offers upward mobility, aligning with the overarching goal of advancing one’s coaching career. Brian Callahan’s recent ascent to a head coaching position exemplifies this path despite not having primary play-calling duties.
3. Support for professional growth is evident within the Bengals organization. Titans General Manager Ran Carthon commended Zac Taylor’s communication and support in Callahan’s career progression, describing it as “unmatched.”
Dan Pitcher’s decision to accept the Bengals’ offensive coordinator role was driven by a combination of these factors and the positive work environment. As Pitcher emphasized, being part of a belief system, surrounded by excellent colleagues, and enjoying the work atmosphere creates a compelling reason to stay.
The success of Callahan and Pitcher in their new roles will ultimately validate or challenge these opinions. However, if the focal point is upward mobility, Callahan’s trajectory serves as a testament to the opportunities presented by the Bengals’ coaching setup.
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